Famous Skyscrapers to see When Visiting New York City

New York City is known the world over as one of the world’s premiere tourist destinations and urban centers, and nothing defines the look and the feel of the Big Apple like its towering and iconic skyscrapers. As far back as the late 1800’s, towers have been raised up by some of America’s most famous names and families, and these builders and their visionary architects have created not only vertical homes for business and life, but living works of art. If you are visiting NYC, or are planning to in the near future, here are a few of its must-see towers.

After being completed in 1931 by builder John Raskob, this 102-story tower has become synonymous with Manhattan and New York City. Until 1972, it was the world’s tallest skyscraper, and today is still the fifth-tallest freestanding building in the United States. The observation deck, on the tower’s 86th floor, offers a 360-degree view of the city and is known to draw celebrities from all walks of life, from NFL Hall-of-Famer Emmitt Smith to famous chef Emeril Lagasse to music legend Gladys Knight. During the daytime, marvel at the Empire State buildings beautiful art-deco architecture; at night, watch as its upper floors are lit up in colors celebrating holidays and local events. The Empire State building is also environmentally friendly, and was given a gold Leadership in Environmental and Engineering (LEED) rating in 2011.

30 Rockefeller Plaza

Known at various times as the GE Building or the RCA building, this skyscraper is the center of the Rockefeller Plaza and a symbol of one of New York’s oldest and most venerable real estate families, the Rockefellers. Today, this building is best known as the home of NBC, and contains the studios where many of their shows are taped. Visitor’s to ’30 Rock,’ as this tower is often called, can expect to see the comings and goings of NBC celebrities like news anchor Lester Holt and the Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon. The ‘Top of the Rock’ observation room offers another beautiful aerial view of the surrounding city.

The Trump Building

Towering above Manhattan’s financial center at an address of 40 Wall Street, the Trump building acquired its name when the real estate magnate Donald Trump purchased the skyscraper in 1995. During its construction in the 1920’s, it was for a time in competition with another New York landmark, the nearby Chrysler Building, for the title of world’s tallest structure. ‘The Donald’ is very busy these days, but there is always a chance he could be visiting here, one of his most famous properties, on any given day in NYC.

New York City is filled with famous, landscape-defining skyscrapers. Any visitor to this cultural landmark should be sure to check out these three when beginning any tour of the city’s skyscrapers.